Monthly up-river discharge in the riverine zone analysis resulted in large interannual variations and differences in calcium ($Ca^{2+}$), bicarbonate ($HCO_3^-$), and cations in the lacustrine zone (Lz) of Daecheong Reservoir during the wet year (Wy, 1993) vs. dry year (Dy, 1994). Total up-river discharge in the Wy was four times that of the Dy, and the up-river discharge in July~August of the Wy was eight times greater than that of same period of Dy. Annual water retention time in the Lz showed large difference between the two years. Water residence time (WRT) was minimum when the up-river discharge peaked, whereas the WRT was maximum when the up-river discharge was at minimal condition. This peak discharge from the up-river on early July reduced residence time in the Lz on mid-July~late July. Monthly pattern, based on data of May~November, was similar between the two years, but, but mean retention time in the Wy was 50 days shorter than in the Dy. Such hydrology, up-river discharge, and WRT reduced $Ca^{2+}$, $HCO_3^-$, and cations in the Lz. At low up-river discharge in Wy during April~May, the cation content of Ca+Mg+Na+K averaged 1.17meq $L^{-1}$ (range=1.09-1.26meq $L^{-1}$), but as the up-river discharge increased suddenly, the values decreased. Seasonal fluctuations of $Ca^{2+}$ showed exactly same pattern with bicarbonate ion of $HCO_3^-$. The minimum $Ca^{2+}$ (0.03meq $L^{-1}$) was occurred in the early August of wet year and coincided with the minimum $HCO_3^-$. These results suggest that the magnitude of variation in $Ca^{2+}$, bicarbonate, and cations in the lacustrine zone is directly determined by the peak magnitude of up-river discharge. The magnitude of up-river discharge determined water retention time and the magnitude of ionic dilution in the lacustrine zone, resulting in functional changes of the ecosystem.